Bedbugs were believed to have been eradicated by DDT and organophosphates in the 1950s, but they are now reaching epidemic levels; some cities have seen a 1000% increase in bedbug infestations within one year. Based on years of direct experience, a bedbug expert here tells how to spot bedbugs in your home, hotel, or on the go (they look like poppy seeds); how to identify a bedbug bite (it's not a mosquito bite, sorry); and most importantly, the steps you must take to get rid of these pests. Among 104 essential things to know about bedbugs, entomologist Ralph Maestre provides handy tips for travelers (hotels are a common hideout for these vermin), advice on buying vintage and secondhand goods, what to expect when the exterminators come, and how to protect yourself against future infestations.